Synergistic Research
Black Box (acoustic)
Black or white

Deep space meet deep bass

One of the most effective ways to improve your entire system’s tonal balance is to control the low frequencies in your room. The Synergistic Research Black Box is not a bass trap, but a modest 10″ square box. It’s an innovative solution to a whole host of low frequency issues, leveraging tech from HFTs to reduce bass bloat and overhang to reveal the well-balanced system hiding beneath.

There is no other compact acoustic treatment device that you can place in your listening room to solve your low frequency problems except the SR Black Box. Based on their award-winning and patented sympathetic resonance technology, the Black Box is an (all in one) Broad Spectrum Low-Frequency Resonator Array with UEF Tech that effectively eliminates bass nodes while expanding your room’s ability to accurately portray low frequency information and spatial content.

Working from the principle that all frequencies in the audible bandwidth are linked through harmonics, the Black Box balances low frequencies, mid-range, and high frequencies through a mathematically derived algorithm based on tuned sympathetic resonance. So when you get the phase correct at 20 Hz for example, it clears up every multiple of 20 Hz so; 40 Hz, 80 Hz, 160 Hz and on.

Even if you don’t have a bass problem in your listening room you can benefit from the Black Box. With improved low frequency definition in perfect phase alignment with all frequencies that make up your favorite music you hear natural sounding bass in a holographic sound stage with mid’s and high’s that sound natural and transparent. And unlike large bass traps, the Black Box performs this feature in a small, aesthetically pleasing package.

The Black Box sits on 3 ‘stiletto’ spikes decoupling it from your floor for improved response. The best way to place a Black Box is to find where the bass is building up. This is usually near a wall. If you go around the room where the wall meets the floor, with your ear a foot or two from the ground and you will get an idea where the bass build up is. Then try the Black Box in those locations to see what placement is effecting the music most beneficially. If you consider buying the new Black Box Carbon as an upgrade, remember that stacking both versions yields an effect far greater than expected: 1+1=3! That’s called positive synergy!
Below the reviews on this page you see some practical placements guides.

YouTube:
Synergistic Research Black Box: All About the Bass by Alan Sircom @ hi-fi+
Atmosphere and Black Box demo by Synergistic Research @ CES 2015

Reviews:
Synergistic Research Black Box resonator -> hi-fi+ winner accessory 2022 by Alan Sircom @ hi-fi+ magazine
“It becomes clear why the fine-tuning of placement matters almost the moment you put the Black Box in the room. Ignoring the bass for a moment, careful tuning snaps the soundstage into sharp focus, adding significantly to the air around instruments within that stage. We can’t ignore bass for too long as that ‘snapping’ into focus has a significant impact on soundstage solidity. Instruments that were seemingly ‘floating’ around the stage are now so ‘planted’ in 3D space, you’ll feel like watering the musicians. This is helped by a distinct sense of improved midrange clarity and even high-frequency extension.”
“And it’s now that we get to that bass; the Black Box excels at defining the shape and texture of bass notes, whether they are bowed, plucked, struck or electronically derived. Bass notes don’t just ‘start’ and ‘stop’ with greater precision; the physical ‘thereness’ of bass sounds are so precise you will be more able to recognise the difference between both instruments (like a Fender Jazz and Fender Precision bass) and the different style of otherwise very similar players. And, as ever, it’s outstanding at portraying musical intent; letting the musical presentation of the audio equipment do what it does best.”

Synergistic Research Black Box resonator by Alan Sircom @ hi-fi+ magazine
“Bass traps in the corners of rooms and the wall-wide arrays of acoustic treatment are not necessarily domestically acceptable. The Synergistic Research Black Box is the rare exception that improves the bass performance of a system without swamping the room.”

Synergistic Research – Frequency Equalizer Carbon with ATM Tuning Module plus High-Frequency Transducers (HFT) by Bill Wells @ stereotimes,com
“I was immediately impressed with how the already improved bass, with the FEQ Carbon in place, now took on noticeably better control and definition. Additionally, there was better synergy and blend with the rest of the bass entire range. An excellent example of this is Brian Bromberg’s recording titled Wood. Listening through the first track came through with enhanced delicacy as well as delivering Bromberg’s already outstanding bass with even better control, definition, and dynamic impact. Basically, this is a passive device and seems to provide a unique ability for tuning the bass through addressing lower frequency resonance issues in the room.”

The “Black Box” of Musical Pleasure by Mike Girardi @ StereoTimes.com
“There is no other room acoustic enhancement device that I know of that can transform your listening room in the way that the SR Black Box can deliver. Once you hear The Black Box and how it can affect the music and the listener, you’ll be hard pressed to take it out of your system.”
“The Black Box is a paradigm shift in room treatment device design and delivers on its promised performance. Can you say wife acceptance factor … Highly recommended.”

Dr. David invites Synergistic Research to visit, and gets GOB SMACKED! by David W. Robinson @ posi+tive-feedback.com
“When the Black Box was added, well, damn me ears! The bass did seem to lock in, becoming more precise and more focused, all at the same time. We confirmed this by having Peter move the Black Box out (Rats! Bass improvement lost!) and back in again (Yes!). There was no doubt about the gains that the Black Box offered…that bloody thing had to stay.”

Synergistic Research – HFT’s, Black Box, and Atmosphere XL by Siao Jer @ audiobacon.net
“The Synergistic Research Black Box represents a non-insignificant investment, but room treatments are sometimes a significant investment when you move away from DIY solutions. The bass just lines itself up in the right way that it ends up being more defined and focused. It’s ability to elevate the high end comes across an unadvertised bonus. Finally, I love how it’s sleek, unobtrusive, and sit tucked in front of my coffee table. These are things that improve the enjoyment of music – and things I can’t do without anymore.”

 

Placement Guide 1 Piece

 

 

Place Black Box equal distance between speakers, 3″ or more off the front wall.

Place Black Box off to either side behind speakers and in corners, 3″ or more off the walls. Please note! DO NOT PLACE DIRECTLY BEHIND SPEAKERS.

 

2 Pieces

When installing 2 each Black Boxes place first unit equal distance between speakers, 3″ or more from the front wall. Place second unit on either side wall, slightly in front of listening position, 3″ or more from the wall.

Optional placement of second Black Box. Place Black Box 3″ of more from the rear wall behind your listening position.

 

3 Pieces

 

When installing 3 each Black Boxes place first unit equal distance between speakers, 3″ or more from the front wall. Place second and third unit in each back corner of the room, 3″ or more from the wall.

Optional placement with installing 3 each Black Boxes place first unit behind listening position, 3″ or more from the wall. Place second and third unit in each front corner of the room, 3″ or more from the wall.